The food generally isn't what we'd choose if left to our selves, and the conversation is about work, usually not even the good stuff.

But Wednesday's lunch meeting of the Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy was different.

Wrapped around the noontime meal, were comments from Jeff Pipkin, president and chief executive officer of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pipkin, more of an industrial recruiter than the typical chamber of commerce type, spoke about jobs. More specifically, he talked about new jobs for the area, 900 of them.

Atkins Prepared Foods, JW Aluminum, Dana Corp. and Wal-Mart were four employers that Pipkin noted as creating jobs for area workers.

We're glad those folks are doing well and hiring workers. Every job created in this Arkansas River Valley lifts the regional economy, which benefits everyone - from the grocery store owners and employees to the clothing store owners and employees to, yes, the newspaper owners and employees.

That's one thing we've never quite understood. Sometimes, a disgruntled business person will claim that the bad old newspaper wrote an unflattering story because we're against business. Actually, we're a business ourself. We're all for economic growth and full employment and high wages and profits. Employed people buy newspapers, and successful businesses advertise in newspapers.

But back to the success stories Pipkin spoke of. This area has taken many steps to support economic activity and growth. Its voters have dedicated sales tax proceeds to fund economic development. Its leaders have championed infrastructure. Its reputation is one focusing on hard workers and strong educational ties.

In a word, the Arkansas River Valley is in a perfect position to grow.

This area may not ever land a superproject, an auto manufacturing plant or another nuclear plant, but it has everything it needs for peripheral facilities. Those working in economic development know that, and they are targeting the kinds of projects that we're likely to get.

Don't be surprised if sometime in the next year Pipkin is giving another speech and announces that a new plant is coming to town to employ a couple hundred people.

We're glad for the existing jobs and the soon-to-be jobs, and we're thankful in advance for the jobs that we fully expect we'll be seeing in years to come.